spathulate, 3-15 x 1-6 cm, entire, obtuse to rounded and occasionally notched at the apex, succulent and spirally arranged to nearly opposite, often crowded at the top of the stem, indistinctly or shortly petiolate

It is most easily distinguished from Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertner (a pantropical weed, primarily used as ornamental but also occasionally consumed as vegetable in South East Asia) by its sharply triangular flowering axes (

Perennial. It is fast-growing, and once established it easily reseeds itself. It flowers early and year round, Flowers are open in the morning. Harvesting may start 40-55 days after sowing and thereafter by taken with two weeks interval up to about six months. It has a C4 photosynthesis pathway, resulting in a high level of dry matter production under hot tropical conditions.

Ecology

Habitat

It occurs naturally on roadsides, waste places, and forests edges.

Environment

Latitude:Altitude: It can be found from sea level up to 1000 m.

Temperature: It thrives in hot weather. Reported temperature range for growth is 15-36°C with the optimum between 22-30°C.

Water: It prefers humid conditions but possesses a remarkable degree of drought tolerance. Reported annual rainfall range for growth is 500-3000 mm with the optimum between 1000-2000 mm.

RadiationRange & intensity: It thrives in full sunlight.

Photoperiodism: It is a short-day plant.

Soil:

Physical: It can grow in basically any kind of soil but thrives in well drained soils with some organic content.

Chemical: It thrives in fertile soils but will also grow on infertile sites. Reported soil pH range for growth is 4.5-7 with the optimum between 5-6.5.

Distribution

It is probably native to tropical America. Its complete native range, however, is difficult to ascertain because it is easily transported and easily naturalizes. It has become a weed with pantropical distribution, still extending its range. It was introduced into Java in 1915 from Suriname by the Bogor Botanic Gardens. Elsewhere in South East Asia its introduction is also relatively recent. It is mainly grown in the North Region of Brazil, especially in the States of Pará and Amazonas. It is also cultivated in western Africa, Asia (India, Indonesia and Malaysia) and South America (Brazil and Peru). Siemonsma J.S. 1993

Pollination

The flowers are mainly self-pollinating.

Services

Status

It can be found wild as well as cultivated and is in some locations regarded as a weed.